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Shroombie2
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Scalpel not turning red
#27293945 - 05/04/21 12:44 PM (3 years, 8 months ago) |
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I used to have a cheap scalpel with plastic handel which used to glow red much faster than the one I have right now. I think the blade on this one is a bit thicker so I was forced to flame it with my torch much longer to the point that it became the most annoying part of mushroom cultivation. The plastic scalpel used to glow red after about 10 seconds of flaming it with a torch but the one I have now takes around 30 seconds. Not only that, I've had two different torches and both started to work very poorly very fast and I have to click a lot to get a steady flame.
Today I tried an alcohol lamp with some liquid specially made for alcohol lamps as opposed to denatured alcohol and I can't get my blade glow red. Instead it becomes black.
Is this alcohol that I got not good enough for this? If it is, for how long should I flame it before it's sterile?
Why are torches such pain in the ass. Sometimes they just don't work, You need to click 30 times before it starts to work and once you done a plate you need to click for another 30 times to get it start working again? I watched a lot of videos on how to fill a torch and let out air and mine is even transparent so I can see that there are a lot of butane in it, still it's a lot of trouble to use it everytime.
Edited by Shroombie2 (05/04/21 12:52 PM)
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Shakedown Street
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Re: Scalpel not turning red [Re: Shroombie2]
#27293950 - 05/04/21 12:48 PM (3 years, 8 months ago) |
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My homemade alcohol lamp was a major PITA unless I switched from iso. to denatured alcohol. Now it works reliably. Have only used butane in plastic Bic lighters to light my alcohol lamp.
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Ashtray161
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id suggest just getting a better torch mate. A proper one for welding and not a small handheld meth/dabber one
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Major Issues in the Psychedelic Movement: https://www.shroomery.org/forums/showflat.php/Number/27677086
"You never have to prove the fool a fool, just let them speak."
Please, be an adult. Get vaccinated. Dont use psychedelics as an excuse. Dont come at me with some hippy dippy nonsense, GO GET VACCINATED.
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Shroombie2
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How was it PITA? Did you also have problem making the scalpel glow red?
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Shroombie2
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Re: Scalpel not turning red [Re: Ashtray161]
#27293973 - 05/04/21 01:01 PM (3 years, 8 months ago) |
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Hmm, what kind do you mean? I googled some but I only see handheld or something big that feel like overkill, specially if it's common to work with alcohol lamps and denatured alcohol. If it doesn't work with denatured alcohol perhaps even change scalpel but it seem unnecessary.
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Atomsplit



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Re: Scalpel not turning red [Re: Shroombie2] 1
#27293978 - 05/04/21 01:10 PM (3 years, 8 months ago) |
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denatured alcohol burns clean and leaves less soot than iso.
If your goal is to get your scalpel red hot. Obviously a higher temperature flame and/or thinner blade should be the two variables to success.
IME a lamp with denatured alcohol and a good propane torch both work well on a xacto blade #11.
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Edited by Atomsplit (05/04/21 01:12 PM)
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NickShade
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Re: Scalpel not turning red [Re: Atomsplit] 2
#27293988 - 05/04/21 01:17 PM (3 years, 8 months ago) |
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Get a new torch for ~$15 at your local hardware store.
-------------------- bodhisatta said:
figure it out listen to the cake
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Shroombie2
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Re: Scalpel not turning red [Re: Atomsplit]
#27294022 - 05/04/21 01:35 PM (3 years, 8 months ago) |
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But should my goal be to get it red? Is it not sterile if it doesn't get red? Does denatured alcohol also burn at higher temps than other alcohols, I don't have ISO either, what I have is called (advertised as) lamp oil?
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Shroombie2
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Re: Scalpel not turning red [Re: NickShade]
#27294023 - 05/04/21 01:36 PM (3 years, 8 months ago) |
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The one I have now is pretty new. I don't want to buy another until I understand why this one became like this.
Edited by Shroombie2 (05/04/21 01:36 PM)
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Ashtray161
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Re: Scalpel not turning red [Re: NickShade]
#27294031 - 05/04/21 01:41 PM (3 years, 8 months ago) |
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Quote:
NickShade said: Get a new torch for ~$15 at your local hardware store.
--------------------
(You Know What Time It Is)
Major Issues in the Psychedelic Movement: https://www.shroomery.org/forums/showflat.php/Number/27677086
"You never have to prove the fool a fool, just let them speak."
Please, be an adult. Get vaccinated. Dont use psychedelics as an excuse. Dont come at me with some hippy dippy nonsense, GO GET VACCINATED.
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Ashtray161
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Re: Scalpel not turning red [Re: Shroombie2]
#27294034 - 05/04/21 01:42 PM (3 years, 8 months ago) |
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Quote:
Shroombie2 said: The one I have now is pretty new. I don't want to buy another until I understand why this one became like this.
if its clear like u said it sounds like its plastic and a shit one. One used for smoking meth/dabs/deemsters probably small enou to fit in ur hand im assuming. You also said it was butane, id get a propane torch. A proper one, theyre only like $15 at wally world dude. Those clear cheap butane ones are pos my friend
Quote:
Shroombie2 said: I don't have ISO either,
Also youre going to need ISO and a fk ton of it for this hobby man. Im not trying to be rude when I say this, but i highly suggest you get the required materials before trying to just wing it. I say this from recent experience. Just do it right or you will be doing it again. Pick up a propane torch and some ISO and do yourself a huge favor and read this: https://www.shroomery.org/forums/showflat.php/Number/24420178
--------------------
(You Know What Time It Is)
Major Issues in the Psychedelic Movement: https://www.shroomery.org/forums/showflat.php/Number/27677086
"You never have to prove the fool a fool, just let them speak."
Please, be an adult. Get vaccinated. Dont use psychedelics as an excuse. Dont come at me with some hippy dippy nonsense, GO GET VACCINATED.
Be Gay, Do Crime 161 1312
Edited by Ashtray161 (05/04/21 01:46 PM)
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Shroombie2
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Re: Scalpel not turning red [Re: Ashtray161]
#27294042 - 05/04/21 01:54 PM (3 years, 8 months ago) |
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I use bleach to clean my SAB. I also desinfect my arms with some alcohol made for this before working in my SAB. I have ISO at home but I never need it for anything in this hobby.
I see. I just learned that propane burns at higher temp.
I have this one:

I'm trying to find a propane torch but I can't find info on all. Can I not just fill the one I have with propane?
There also some that are a bit bigger with a replacable container. But that's a mixture of Butan, Isobutan and propane with only 2% propane. Maybe those will work better.
Edited by Shroombie2 (05/04/21 01:56 PM)
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Atomsplit



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Re: Scalpel not turning red [Re: Ashtray161] 1
#27294047 - 05/04/21 01:57 PM (3 years, 8 months ago) |
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What they said ^^^^
BernzOmatic Multi-Purpose Trigger-Start Torch Head will flame almost any blade red hot!
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AntsInYourPants

Registered: 01/27/21
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Re: Scalpel not turning red [Re: Atomsplit] 1
#27294051 - 05/04/21 01:58 PM (3 years, 8 months ago) |
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The main problem with torches is the consistency and quality of the igniter. You're probably gonna end up wasting more money on those cheap torches than you would if you just bought a legit propane torch. I know you said you don't wanna go overkill but that's what I do. I've also got a bernzomatic with a propane tank that heats my scalpel up in seconds. It'll last you years and it's handy when you need a torch for anything else.
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Ashtray161
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Re: Scalpel not turning red [Re: Shroombie2]
#27294059 - 05/04/21 02:02 PM (3 years, 8 months ago) |
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Quote:
Shroombie2 said: I use bleach to clean my SAB. I also desinfect my arms with some alcohol made for this before working in my SAB. I have ISO at home but I never need it for anything in this hobby.
I see. I just learned that propane burns at higher temp.
I have this one:

I'm trying to find a propane torch but I can't find info on all. Can I not just fill the one I have with propane?
There also some that are a bit bigger with a replacable container. But that's a mixture of Butan, Isobutan and propane with only 2% propane. Maybe those will work better.
Again mate, not trying to be rude, I say this from recent experience. Youre seeming very resistant to the actual advice being given to you. They sell propane torchs at walmart or any hardware store. Their tanks are blue. You can adjust the flame so you can leave it on like a pilot lite and it works really really well.
Bleach is not only over kill but ive read it might actually damage the genetics of what youre working with. Again, especially while youre figuring things out, do not deviate from the tek. DO NOT DEVIATE. Follow it to a T. Meaning youre gonna need ISO. I have no idea how you got it in your head you dont need it for this hobby but id put money on just about everyone telling you otherwise.
EDIT: Quote:
Shroombie2 said: I'm trying to find a propane torch but I can't find info on all. Can I not just fill the one I have with propane?
I just have to point out that from my understanding putting propane in a container not made for it is EXTREAMLY DANGEROUS and could result is serious bodily injury or even death lol. Butane isnt nearly as volatile as propane (again from my understanding i might be completely wrong here) but im pretty sure you do NOT want to do that.
Again, start here: https://www.shroomery.org/forums/showflat.php/Number/24420178
Quote:
AntsInYourPants said: You're probably gonna end up wasting more money on those cheap torches than you would if you just bought a legit propane torch. It'll last you years and it's handy when you need a torch for anything else.

Quote:
Atomsplit said:

Be safe and really TORCH IT!
  
Or a alcohol lamp will be fine with denatured alcohol. 
--------------------
(You Know What Time It Is)
Major Issues in the Psychedelic Movement: https://www.shroomery.org/forums/showflat.php/Number/27677086
"You never have to prove the fool a fool, just let them speak."
Please, be an adult. Get vaccinated. Dont use psychedelics as an excuse. Dont come at me with some hippy dippy nonsense, GO GET VACCINATED.
Be Gay, Do Crime 161 1312
Edited by Ashtray161 (05/04/21 02:49 PM)
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ninja cat 09
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Re: Scalpel not turning red [Re: Shroombie2]
#27294060 - 05/04/21 02:02 PM (3 years, 8 months ago) |
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Having this issue too, bought myself a lab alcohol lamp and it's just turning the blade black, if I keep the blade on the flame the handle becomes too hot to hold. I'm using 95% ethanol with it too, so I don't think that's the issue.
Fuck it, I'll flame it like that run the blade through a couple agar plates and see if there are any contams.
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Dziber
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I have a feeling i read somewhere that it doesn't need to glow red. Flame itself kills everything but maybe I just remember wrong idk.
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Shakedown Street
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Re: Scalpel not turning red [Re: Shroombie2]
#27294064 - 05/04/21 02:03 PM (3 years, 8 months ago) |
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Had no problem making the scalpel glow red, no. I have no idea about the burning temperature of the different fuels. I just stick to using denatured alcohol because it's cheap, available, and works reliably in my alcohol lamp. It's a ghetto alcohol lamp made from a small jar of marinated artichoke hearts and a cotton ball pulled into a wick. Works reliably though. I keep a shotglass right next to it so I don't forget to set the shotglass on top to extinguish the flame.
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ninja cat 09
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Found this:
Quote:
RogerRabbit said: If it's over a flame for a minute or so it's sterile. It shouldn't turn black unless you're using rubbing alcohol. You're supposed to use denatured alcohol. RR
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Atomsplit



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Quote:
ninja cat 09 said: Found this:
Quote:
RogerRabbit said: If it's over a flame for a minute or so it's sterile. It shouldn't turn black unless you're using rubbing alcohol. You're supposed to use denatured alcohol. RR
That works but your scalpel handle gets hot to handle and your lighter will most likely break.
I cant see any benefits of flaming a minute for each transfer.
I guess the workaround is get a couple of scalpels.
or TORCH it quick n fast with either of the 2 options- no guesswork.
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Edited by Atomsplit (05/04/21 03:00 PM)
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